Ask Chuck: Cash-Out Refinance Advice
Dear Chuck, My home is in need of multiple costly repairs. My neighbor just did a major update on his home, and he told me he did it with a cash-out refinance. We also need a new car. What should we do? Refi Home Dear Refi Home, There is a lot in your question […]
Ask Chuck: Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions
Dear Chuck, I dread making financial resolutions every new year because I usually fail at keeping them. Can you offer any simple tips to help me manage money better this year? Something that’s fail-proof? Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions Dear Fail-Proof Financial Resolutions, First, Happy New Year! It is always exciting to me to roll the […]
Ask Chuck: Am I Saving Too Much?
Dear Chuck, I have been a saver for years. I was recently accused of hoarding money. What constitutes hoarding? Super Saver Dear Super Saver, I am so glad to know that you save because so many do not. A year ago, Fool.com surveyed 2,000 Americans and found the following: 71% have a savings account. […]
Ask Chuck: Is Now the Time to Buy a Car?
Dear Chuck, Should I buy a used car now? I’ve been told to just buy new, but I don’t want a car payment. Needing Transportation Dear Needing Transportation, My perspective is that neither is a good option right now. I suggest you try to hold off until market conditions change. Some context will help. […]
Ask Chuck: Time to Get Out of Debt?
Dear Chuck, I have been steadily paying down debt, and the end is within site. I’m due a sum of money for the sale of some real estate and wonder if I should pay off the remaining debt or save it. Seems like a good time to be debt free. What would you do? Almost […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Buy a House in a Hot Real Estate Market?
Dear Chuck, Housing prices are astronomical here but so is rent. It seems I am throwing money down the drain every month. Would it be a mistake to buy so I could at least build some equity? Buy Now or Wait? Dear Buy Now or Wait, This year’s real estate market has been crazy! […]
Ask Chuck: How to Make Memorial Day Meaningful
Dear Chuck, We can’t travel this year. How can I make Memorial Day special for my family while staying on a budget? Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Dear Honoring Our Fallen Heroes, First, thank you for remembering that this national holiday is far more than a time to shop and play. Memorial Day was founded […]
Ask Chuck: My Spouse is an Impulsive Spender
Dear Chuck, Do you have any advice for someone married to an impulsive spender? Cautious Budgeter Dear Cautious Budgeter, Sounds like you may be married to an opposite financial personality; my wife and I can relate! Most of us have made an impulsive purchase at some point in time. Others struggle with it more […]
Ask Chuck: Should I Borrow for a Wedding?
Dear Chuck, A friend suggested we get a home equity loan to cover our daughter’s wedding this summer. This makes me very uncomfortable, but I want my daughter to have her big day. Money for Matrimony Dear Money for Matrimony, I have a very wise friend that always responds to my questions with the same […]
Ask Chuck: How Can I Disaster Proof My Finances?
Dear Chuck, I have several friends who are in deep financial trouble in the early years of their marriage. I want to avoid the stress they’re experiencing. Do you have any helpful tips so that I can guard my home and marriage? Avoiding Disaster Dear Avoiding Disaster, Being under constant financial stress is terrible […]
